Was the Xavier basketball coach fired? Exploring the latest situation around Sean Miller
Sean Miller helped Xavier make it to this year's Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017. Miller returned to the Musketeers in March after getting fired by Arizona in 2021. Before he coached the Wildcats, Miller led Xavier from 2004 to 2009.
The Musketeers parted ways with Travis Steele after winning their first game of the NIT last season. Jonas Hayes was named interim head coach and led Xavier to the NIT championship. Hayes was hired by Georgia State as head coach, while the Musketeers hired Miller.
But despite Miller leading the Musketeers to second place in both the Big East regular season and Big East tournament, his job was rumored to be in trouble. Miller getting fired was apparently doing the rounds on Twitter.
However, it seems like Sean Miller's job is secure. Miller helped Xavier qualify for the Sweet 16 after beating his alma mater Pittsburgh 84-73 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. The Muskeeters (27-9), seeded third in the Midwest, will face Texas (28-8), seeded second, in the next round on Friday.
Another possible reason why Miller getting fired was trending is due to some on Twitter asking why Arizona sent him packing in 2021. Miller was allegedly involved in the on-going academic misconduct scandal at several schools, including Arizona, Auburn, Kansas, Louisville, Miami, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and USC.
Here are some of the tweets discussing Miller's job at Xavier and Arizona:
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Sean Miller praises players after making Sweet 16
Sean Miller's first season back at Xavier is proving to be a success. After finishing second in the regular season in the Big East and runner-up in the Big East tournament, Miller has the Musketeers in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Miller's rotation against Pittsburgh only had seven players, but six of them scored in double figures. Jack Nunge led the way with 18 points in Xavier's 84-73 win. Colby Jones had 10 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Adam Kunkel contributed 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Muskeeters shot 47.6%, making eight shots from beyond the arc. They also played the passing game much better than the Panthers, dishing out 22 assists.
"It's really remarkable," Miller said. "As much as it's about me being a coach, it's way more about these guys. They've grown leaps bounds since November. Each of these guys, they played their role and had great years. They're really a fun group to coach, they make it easy."
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